MNtransplant Posted May 24, 2021 Share Posted May 24, 2021 Alright guys I think I'm ready to get into a nicer jigging setup for trout...im pretty confident on the reel being a size 1000 Shimano something...but wanted to get people's opinions on some of their favorite higher end jigging rods. Im convinced I want to go with a light or ultralight and probably stick to 6' or less. What's the best sensitivity and durability i can get for around $200 or less? Thanks! JestersHK 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnsfolly Posted May 24, 2021 Share Posted May 24, 2021 8 hours ago, MNtransplant said: Alright guys I think I'm ready to get into a nicer jigging setup for trout...im pretty confident on the reel being a size 1000 Shimano something...but wanted to get people's opinions on some of their favorite higher end jigging rods. Im convinced I want to go with a light or ultralight and probably stick to 6' or less. What's the best sensitivity and durability i can get for around $200 or less? Thanks! I have had a lot of success with a 7 ft UL Airstream and 6# nano line. Lots of sensitivity and enough backbone to land bigger fish. MNtransplant, Terrierman, Big Keene and 1 other 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ham Posted May 24, 2021 Share Posted May 24, 2021 The AirStream/ 6 lb nano is my go to set up. I also like the little rod Phil Lilly sells. It's not quite as sensitive as the Airstream, but it throws the jig better and it is really smooth when you lean into one JestersHK, Big Keene, Johnsfolly and 2 others 5 Every Saint has a past, every Sinner has a future. On Instagram @hamneedstofish Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seth Posted May 24, 2021 Share Posted May 24, 2021 I ran Airstreams for years and they did a fine job, especially for the $60 price tag. However, I had Mike Riffel build me a custom rod on the MHX S842 blank in 7' light action with a Tennessee handle and it's incredible! It ran me $180 for the rod and I paired it up with a Shimano Stradic FL 1000 and 3# Maxima Ultragreen. My Airstreams are just backups for when I bring other people who aren't setup for jig fishing now. @JestersHKruns St Croix Avid rods and those are pretty nice for a mass produced rod. That would probably be my choice if I didn't get the custom S842. Mike builds those rods with the FUJI SK2 split grips for guys too as some people aren't a fan of the Tennessee handle. That's just a personal preference. The only pitfall of the Tennessee handle is that you can't swap reels. That's why I splurged on a good reel for it otherwise it would probably have a Plueger President 25 like most of my light gear. Johnsfolly and JestersHK 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JestersHK Posted May 24, 2021 Share Posted May 24, 2021 Ham I was telling Tyler about your nano setup. The guys down with me this past weekend were both running airstream as well and you cannot beat them for the money. They are fantastic at that price point. We talked a lot about different gear and setups and just jigging methods in general. Differences between boat and wading, rod setups and lengths. Although I do love my Avids they are not perfect. They cork under reel where I want my thumb on the graphite, and I wished the reel seats were flip flopped the other way on top so I dont unscrew them loose. I'll be having Mike build me a 6'6 ultralight here soon. My Avid ultralight is 6 and I'd like a touch longer for the boat. Johnsfolly and MNtransplant 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Keene Posted May 24, 2021 Share Posted May 24, 2021 i have a St. Croix Trout Series 2pc 7' Light Fast($130ish i believe) that i absolutely love. i have it paired with a 25 sized Pflueger Supreme, and it's great. great feel, and enough backbone to handle big fish. my brother has the Panfish series, its the same rod, but a one piece vs a 2 and he thinks it is under powered for bigger fish. Johnsfolly, MNtransplant and JestersHK 3 Illegitimi non carborundum (Never let the bastards grind you down) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gavin Posted May 24, 2021 Share Posted May 24, 2021 You cant really go wrong with an MXH blank from Mudhole if you go the custom route. Have wrapped several, and all have been great. Rainshadow and Northfork Composites make some great blanks too. Seth and JestersHK 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MNtransplant Posted May 28, 2021 Author Share Posted May 28, 2021 On 5/24/2021 at 4:47 AM, Ham said: The AirStream/ 6 lb nano is my go to set up. I also like the little rod Phil Lilly sells. It's not quite as sensitive as the Airstream, but it throws the jig better and it is really smooth when you lean into one @Ham when you're using the nanofil, are you tying to a fluoro leader or straight to your jig? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aarchdale@coresleep.com Posted May 28, 2021 Share Posted May 28, 2021 Airstream is awesome. Mine broke last outing RIP... Had it for years it more than likely was stepped on or something. Ill get another. Bass Pro has there brand on them now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ham Posted May 28, 2021 Share Posted May 28, 2021 6 hours ago, MNtransplant said: @Ham when you're using the nanofil, are you tying to a fluoro leader or straight to your jig? I ALWAYS use a leader. #savethenanofil with braid I wanted a built in weak point, I don't like tying direct on something they might study before biting, and I wanted to conserve the braid. Nano though thin is not crazy high break strength, but I don't want to burn through it. I tie in 6 feet or so of P Line CX premium. 4 or 6 lb. if I'm feeling fancy, I'll use an Alberto knot. If in a hurry, I'll use a three turn Surgeons knot. It O want to hear a knot bumping in the guides, I'll tie a uni to uni. No one has ever explained to me why I need to use fluro for my leader. Fluro is picky about the knot so I stick with a copoly Terrierman 1 Every Saint has a past, every Sinner has a future. On Instagram @hamneedstofish Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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